Carlos Alcaraz Exits US Open as Ben Shelton Advances to Semifinals

American player Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set match with a scoreline of 6–7, 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6 to secure his place in the US Open semifinals. The match, held in New York, lasted 4 hours and 28 minutes, making it the latest finishing match in US Open history. In the semifinals, Shelton will face fellow American Frances Tiafoe, who has guaranteed an American male presence in the US Open final for the first time in 23 years. (September 24, Kathmandu)

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz exited the US Open tennis quarterfinals after losing to Shelton on Thursday morning in a gripping five-set battle, with scores of 6–7 (5–7), 6–1, 6–3, 1–6, 7–6 (10–7). The match took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York and started after 11 p.m., concluding at 3:34 a.m. local time.

Seeded eighth, Shelton achieved a career milestone by defeating a top-three ranked player for the first time. Prior to this, he had played 17 matches against top-three opponents without a victory and had lost all three previous encounters against Alcaraz. Shelton’s semifinal matchup against fellow American Frances Tiafoe ensures that an American male player will reach the US Open final for the first time in 23 years.

World No. 3 Alcaraz, returning from a more than four-month-long wrist injury layoff, showed better-than-expected form in the tournament but ultimately failed to defend his title. After the match, Alcaraz expressed pride in his efforts despite the loss, saying, “I leave the court healthy and with a smile, and that is the biggest thing for me.”